The temperature outside has begun to drop signaling the start of basketball season. After hours of off-season training, open gyms, and lifting, the Trojans are more than ready to get back on the hardwood. Last year, the team concluded the 2024-25 season with a record of 13-5 and finished 4th in the MVL. The Trojans are looking to make a lot of noise throughout the league this year. With returning players like Aiden Luis and Joshua Murphy, amongst others, it is shaping up to be a great season.
The upcoming season brings a combination of experience and new energy as several returning players step back into key leadership roles and the new faces find their way on the court. Veterans like Joshua Murphy, Aiden Luis, and Kardel Winfield have started to set the tone early by guiding the young and new players to find their confidence on the court. “I feel good heading into the season. We have a good, talented roster,” said senior guard Joshua Murphy. “The main goal is to lead my team to an MVL championship.”
One of the most anticipated storylines is the return of standout player Brady O'Leary, who missed the entirety of the 2024-2025 season due to a torn ACL. During his freshman year, O’leary shot 39.9% from the field goal and 37.3% from the three. Now fully healthy, he is bringing both skill and lifted emotions to a roster that is more than ready to get on the court. Although he spent a lot of time away from the game, Brady mentions, “Being on the sidelines and watching from a different point of view. It showed me ways to play the game that I would never think about while I was playing.”
As the season approaches, the team has made its goals clear: compete for a conference title, go far in the tournament, and improve on last year’s record. Coaches and players alike agree that it begins with a strong start in the opening weeks. “Our main goal for this season is that we want to prepare ourselves so that we can consistently compete at our highest level possible. To accomplish this, we are focused on working hard and getting better each day,” said Coach Mark Hess. Week one of the season, the Trojans will face off against the Sidney Yellow Jackets and the Greenville Greenwave. The Yellow Jackets got the better of the Trojans last year. Starting 2-0 would be the first step on the Trojans’ road to success. Senior guard Aiden Luis has a lot of confidence about his team heading into the season: “We are expected to have a great season as long as we compete and grind.”
The Trojans will open the season on Monday, December 1, at 7:00 p.m. at Sidney High School. The home opener will be at 7:00 p.m. on Friday, December 12, against Butler. With returning talent and new upcoming faces, this year’s Trojans look ready to compete and make some noise.